The raised part in the top is for the automatic choke, which was in the right (passenger) side of the carb..  That was for a 56.  The 55 choke was located on the intake in 55, so no raised part.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

It’s an orig. ‘55 or ‘56 T-Bird oil bath AC.  The raised bubble in the base faces up (accommodates teapot carb mechanism). Top is chromed.
BTW:  I currently have the ‘55/‘56 stainless top repro unit that is designed for a paper filter (modified though for increased airflow, with a larger K&N oiled filter), but when I finally install a modern/larger Holley carb, I may try to modify my original ‘55 oil bath chromed top to mate with a ‘57 repro base (?). If anyone has tried that but found not enough hood clearance, please advise.

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

I didn't download your images; however, if the top is stainless or chrome and looks like a flying saucer, it's a 55-57 Tbird dress-up air cleaner; the base is painted Argent. If there is a cage of sorts that contains a steel-wool-like material attached to the lid, it's an oil-bath air cleaner; if not, it uses a paper element (not oil bath). The raised portion on the bottom allows the air cleaner to clear the OEM choke.The 57 dress-up air cleaner uses a paper element, not oil-bath.  

I have seen oil-bath air cleaners that have had the filtration element cut off and replaced with a paper element. I've also seen reproduction lids on Tbird parts sites that can be used with a paper element, in place of the OEM oil-bath lid. 

I have an air cleaner that looks alot like an TB air cleaner. I assume it is oil both, I am not sure how to orient it-note the bottom of the air cleaner has a raised area. See photos. Thanks.